News Briefs

Syrian FM: Ready for Talks with Armed Opposition

Syria's Foreign Minister announced Monday that President Basahr al-Assad's government is ready to hold talks with the armed opposition.

"We're ready for a dialogue with anyone who's willing for it," said FM Walid al-Moallem, who was in Moscow to discuss the civil war with Russian officials. "Even with those who carry arms. We are confident that reforms will come about not with the help of bloodshed but through dialogue."

The FM did not mention if any pre-conditions must be met before the two sides sit down for talks, but the offer in itself was significant enough as it marked the first time a high-ranking Syrian official publicly stated that the government would meet with opposition fighters.